Imagine a watch so revolutionary, so unlike anything else, that it completely shatters your expectations of what a timepiece can be. That's the Ressence Type 3 BB2. But here's the kicker: it achieves this marvel by filling itself with oil! Sounds crazy, right? How can a delicate mechanical movement possibly survive submerged in fluid? Let's dive in and unravel this horological enigma.
The Ressence Type 3 BB2, cloaked in a sleek all-black attire, perfectly embodies the spirit of Ressence, an independent watchmaker that dares to defy convention. Founded in 2010 by the visionary industrial designer Benoit Mintiens, Ressence has carved a unique niche in the watchmaking world. Their creations are virtually incomparable, thanks to their audacious out-of-the-box thinking, relentless pursuit of technical innovation, and a complete disregard for traditional hands and crowns – at least, not in the way we typically understand them.
The Type 3 holds a special place in Ressence's history, as it was their first foray into the world of oil-filled watches. Since its debut in 2013, it has become a cornerstone of the brand's identity. The Type 3 BB2 represents the latest, and arguably the most refined, iteration of this groundbreaking series, making it worthy of a much closer examination.
So, what's the big deal with an oil-filled watch? The Type 3's signature trick appears deceptively simple, yet it demands an extraordinary level of engineering prowess to execute flawlessly. Firstly, following the lead of the Type 1, the Type 3 bids farewell to the conventional crown for winding and setting the watch. But the real magic lies in the fact that the entire upper portion of the watch is filled with oil. And this is the part most people miss... the type of oil matters! Ressence uses a specific type of oil with particular refractive properties, which is crucial to the watch's functionality.
Now, any seasoned watch enthusiast will immediately raise an eyebrow. As we all know, fluids and mechanical watch movements are generally sworn enemies. But through ingenious engineering, Ressence has discovered a way to harmonize these seemingly incompatible elements and unlock a host of remarkable benefits.
A Mind-Bending Pebble That Boggles the Mind
The Ressence Type 3 BB2 is more than just a watch; it's an experience. Touching it, wearing it, and even simply looking at it is a fascinating and often perplexing affair. It's not uncommon for those unfamiliar with Ressence's unique approach to mistake it for a digital smartwatch. This illusion is largely due to the watch's smooth, pebble-like case and its distortion-free, domed display. It has this almost screen-like appearance, leading some to believe you could swipe across it like a smartphone. But that's where the magic lies: it's a fully analogue, fully mechanical marvel.
The watch case, constructed from titanium and coated with a durable black DLC finish, is cleverly divided into two distinct chambers. The upper chamber, filled with 3.57ml of oil, houses the patented in-house Ressence Orbital Convex System, or ROCS module. The lower chamber, filled with air, contains a heavily modified ETA 2824 automatic movement – a workhorse caliber known for its reliability. Think of the ETA 2824 as the reliable engine of a high-performance sports car; Ressence has taken this solid foundation and meticulously tuned it to meet its specific demands.
But here's where it gets controversial... There's no physical connection between these two chambers. No pinion, no staff, no axles – nothing. It's a horological magic trick! Similar to the Type 7 GMT and the Type 5 diver, another oil-filled offering from Ressence, the Type 3 employs a magnetic transmission system to transfer kinetic energy between the two sections. The magnetic force is carefully calibrated to be strong enough to power the ROCS module, yet weak enough to avoid disrupting the delicate balance of the mechanical movement. Furthermore, a specialized shock absorber mitigates the risk of damage to the ROCS module, and a clever system of bellows compensates for the expansion and contraction of the oil due to temperature fluctuations, preventing the crystal from popping off. Imagine the engineering challenges involved in perfecting such a system!
Zero Distortions, Maximum Legibility
The payoff for this ingenious design is a display that is virtually free of distortion – a phenomenon that has been praised by those who have experienced Ressence watches underwater. Because the upper chamber is completely filled with oil, light is refracted in a way that magnifies the indications, enhancing their legibility. Think of the classic example of sticking a pencil in a glass of water. The portion of the pencil outside the water appears normal, while the submerged portion appears larger due to the refraction of light. This same principle applies to the Type 3, resulting in a remarkably clear and legible display from virtually any angle, even underwater.
The domed construction of the crystal also allows for a significantly larger dial compared to traditional flat designs. This expansive canvas allows Ressence to display a wealth of information, including the hours, minutes, date, day of the week, and even the oil temperature, all on a single plane. And best of all, thanks to the ROCS system, all the indications rotate and revolve around each other throughout the day, creating a mesmerizing visual ballet on your wrist.
The largest indicator, logically, is dedicated to the minutes. This is paired with the largest of the three subdials, which displays the hours. The remaining two subdials indicate the weekday and the oil temperature, while the date is displayed along the outer edge of the dial. And for those late-night rendezvous, everything is coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in the dark.
Setting a Ressence watch requires a slightly different approach than traditional timepieces, as all adjustments are made via the caseback. The watch can be wound manually if needed, and the time, day, and date can be set in both directions. While it may take a little practice to master the sequence of movements, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a surprisingly intuitive process.
My Personal Experience: A Watch Unlike Any Other
Wearing the Ressence Type 3 BB2, or any Ressence watch for that matter, is an experience unlike any other. It transcends the realm of mere timekeeping and becomes a statement of individuality and appreciation for horological innovation. While it still fulfills the fundamental purpose of telling time at a glance, the overall experience is profoundly different from conventional watches. From the unique design and the tactile interaction to the way it feels on the wrist, the Ressence Type 3 BB2 is simply brilliant. If you are used to standard watches, this will be a total game changer.
During my time with the watch, which extended beyond the typical review period, it garnered a significant amount of attention. Some of this attention came from acquaintances who were curious about what I was wearing, while others were complete strangers who were simply captivated by its unusual design. In every instance, people were genuinely amazed by the ingenuity and creativity of the Ressence Type 3 BB2.
The Type 3 BB2 is a permanent fixture in Ressence's collection and carries a retail price of EUR 50,600. While it is not a limited edition in the traditional sense, production numbers are relatively low due to the complexity of its construction. This means that acquiring one may require a bit of patience, but the wait is undoubtedly worth it.
For more information and to explore the world of Ressence, visit RessenceWatches.com.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. Is a watch that costs as much as a luxury car truly worth it? Some argue that it's an investment in groundbreaking technology and artistry, while others see it as an extravagant indulgence. Where do you stand? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Is the unique design and engineering enough to justify the price tag, or is it simply too much for a watch, no matter how innovative? We're eager to hear your perspectives!
